Jama Masjid

Chandi Chowk , Delhi

History

Jama Masjid now the second largest mosque in the Indian subcontinent, is also an impressive example of Mughal architecture.Jama Masjid of Delhi, Jama Masjid also wrote Jaami' Masjid, Jama Masjid of Delhi also called Masjid-i Jahaannumaa, mosque in Old Delhi, India, built in 1650-56 by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahaan, a notable patron of Islamic architecture, whose most famous work is the Taj Mahal, in Agra.
Jama Masjid is the main mosque in Delhi, the place where the Muslims of the city gather traditionally for the communal prayer of Friday; Jama Masjid is Arabic for "Friday Mosque". The mosque is near the Red Fort, another of the buildings of Shah Jahaan. Jama Masjid and its courtyard are in an outcrop of more than 30 steps higher than the street, which gives the mosque an imposing view of the surroundings. The longer name, Masjid-i Jahaannumaa, is translated as "mosque that reflects the world" or "mosque that shows the world". The mosque was built by a team of about 5,000 workers. The red sandstone was the main building material, but some white marble was also used.
Jama Masjid is oriented towards the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, which is located to the west. An open courtyard in front of the eastern entrance of the mosque building is at least 325 feet (99 meters) square and can accommodate 25,000 people. The eastern entrance itself was originally reserved for real use only. Others used smaller doors on the north and south sides of the building. Two minarets of 130 feet (40 meters) mark the northeast and southeast corners of the building. The largest interior space is the prayer room, 90 × 200 feet (27.4 × 60.96 meters). There are calligraphic inscriptions in Persian above the entries in the prayer hall. Three large marble domes rise from the roof of the prayer room.